American Primevalis Netflix’s response to the latest rise in Western projects in Hollywood, andwhile it’s a hit among audiences, the critics are a little bit more hesitant to buy into its story.The TV miniseries, created and written by Mark L. Smith, is partially inspired by a true story.American Primevalprimarily revolves around the Mountain Meadows Massacreduring the Utah War in 1857. It focuses on the fight between Native Americans, settlers, and Mormons over the Utah Territory and how all the groups turned to violence to gain control of the land in the Old West.
GivenAmerican Primeval’s story, the Western genre’s comeback, and the show’s stellar cast (which includes Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin), it’s not surprising it has been sitting at the top of Netflix’s charts. The miniseries has experienced massive success since its premiere on June 12, 2025. However, whileAmerican Primeval’s impressive viewership indicates it has positive reviewsacross the board, its response is divisive.
What Critics Have Criticized About American Primeval
Some Believe The Show Favors Violence Over Developing Its Characters
American Primeval’s Tomatometer (critics) score onRotten Tomatoesis 63 percent, as of the writing of this article. While that number means the Netflix Western miniseries is considered “Fresh” on the website, it’s lower than one would expect, especially sincethe show’s Popcornmeter (audiences) sits at 88 percent.So, it’s clear that there is some disagreement between critics and audiences concerningAmerican Primeval’s quality. To summarize the mixed response from critics, some believe the series relies too much on its violence. They were upset that the show’s brutality was favored over fleshing out its characters.
Shea Whigham
Jim Bridger
AV Club’s Tom Lowery explained his problems withAmerican Primevalin his review. Lowery wrote, “When that brutality is this heavyhanded, you can’t help but wish as much thought and energy was put into fleshing out these people as the pain they endured.“The Hollywood Reporter’s Daniel Fienberg agreed with Lowery,calling the show “monotonous.”
However,not every review was negative.Aramide Tinubu praisedAmerican Primevalin herVarietyreview. Tinubu said, “The six episodes present a brutal, fascinating depiction of a culture and a country that has yet to overcome its most violent predilections.” Robert Lloyd of theLos Angeles Timesconcurred, commenting that the Netflix Western miniseries was “beautifully produced.”
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Why American Primeval Has A Much Higher RT Audience Score
Many Viewers Found The Netflix Miniseries Gripping
The positive and negative reviews ofAmerican Primevalfrom critics balance one another out, which is why it has an average Tomatometer score. As for audiences, though, they seemingly agree more on the show’s quality. Many viewers expressed how compelling they found the Western drama’s story and praisedtheAmerican Primevalcast’s performances.They also complimented the cinematographyand action sequences. Ultimately,American Primevalis landing better with audiences than critics because of fans' focus on the show’s pure entertainment value versus its overall storytelling capabilities.
American Primeval
Cast
American Primeval is a Netflix limited series that follows the lives of several men and women in the middle of the expansion of the American West. Social dynamics clash as men and women battle for a piece of the new world against rivals and each other.
Sources:Rotten Tomatoes, AV Club, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Los Angeles Times
